I'm getting ready to sell my other bike, a 2007 SV650. This'll be my first time selling a bike so I had a couple of questions.

1. Is a test ride customary or expected? I assumed it would be customary but how do you protect yourself if someone asks for one? Do you ask for something to hold on to so he doesn't make off with your bike or what?

2. I know this may differ by state but after you agree to sell the bike what paperwork do you have to do? The bike is paid for and I have the title so do I just give the title to the new owner and then submit a sold notice to Arizona MVD? Also do I understand correctly that I keep the plates and then the new owner has to register for new ones?
I tried checking the AZ MVD page and it's kind of vague on the specifics.

Never allow any test rides until you have ALL of the asking price,in cash,in your hand. Go to Staples and get one of those pens that you mark the bills with to see if they are counterfeit and check ALL the money before the test ride..people have gotten fake $100's plenty of times before and then youre fucked

^^ exactly.. I've heard of a few people literally driving off or almost as bad, dropping the bike during a test ride. No money and you're left repairing it or having to sell it for less bc of damage..

Not sure where you are and what kind of element you have there, but Id take someone with me to the sale. Best case scenario, only to be a witness on the bill of sale, worst case if they try to strong arm you..

Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds very sensible indeed to have the cash in hand and verify it before handing over the keys. Thanks for the advice since I didn't know what would be appropriate or not.

I had a friend (a dumb one I might add) that let a guy and his buddy take his ZX-11 out for a test ride. He figured he was safe as their car was left in his driveway. You guessed it, they never came back and the car was stolen. We laugh about it to this day.

I had a friend (a dumb one I might add) that let a guy and his buddy take his ZX-11 out for a test ride. He figured he was safe as their car was left in his driveway. You guessed it, they never came back and the car was stolen. We laugh about it to this day.

Looking at it from the buyer's side i wouldn't hand anybody any cash without having the pink slip signed over to me. With that said i've only ever sold dirt bikes and no test ride was done aside from starting and revving it a few times.

No need for a test ride..unless the bike is older, or there's reason to suspect Trans or clutch damage, etc. Everything else can be tested with the bike on center stand.

All the Dealerships I went to, dont allow test drives anymore. They will happily risk losing a sale, over a potential crash/death lawsuit.

They know a serious buyer Knows what they want.

a dealer is a bit more reputable to buy from than a random person on craigslist. I will buy a bike from a dealer without riding it but will not consider buying one on the street without taking it for a spin.

I had a friend (a dumb one I might add) that let a guy and his buddy take his ZX-11 out for a test ride. He figured he was safe as their car was left in his driveway. You guessed it, they never came back and the car was stolen. We laugh about it to this day.

Ouch, that sucks. It's that kind of mistake I wanted to avoid lol so I'll keep all this good advice in mind if I find a buyer for my bike.

Looking at it from the buyer's side i wouldn't hand anybody any cash without having the pink slip signed over to me. .

So if that is the case you would be screwed royally if the bike has any damage discovered upon the test ride since you already legally bought the bike when the title was signed over to you. Then what?
You cant erase your name on the pink slip&ask for your money back,once that title is signed you own it and your stuck with it. I do understand your point though

So if that is the case you would be screwed royally if the bike has any damage discovered upon the test ride since you already legally bought the bike when the title was signed over to you. Then what?
You cant erase your name on the pink slip&ask for your money back,once that title is signed you own it and your stuck with it. I do understand your point though

Not what I meant. I wouldn't hand anyone that i didn't know cash until after i decided to buy. I wouldn't be opposed to signing a check in case I wreck it but not cash. I wouldn't be a dick about it either I'm jsut saying nobody gets my cash till a deal is made.

Not what I meant. I wouldn't hand anyone that i didn't know cash until after i decided to buy. I wouldn't be opposed to signing a check in case I wreck it but not cash. I wouldn't be a dick about it either I'm jsut saying nobody gets my cash till a deal is made.

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